MACHU PICCHU DRIVE - 12 DAYS

In a minimum of time you can visit the most famous sites of Peru: the Nasca Lines, Lake Titicaca and, of course, Machu Picchu. But there is so much more to discover in this amazing country. Stay in nice tourist class hotels and travel by day train to and from Machu Picchu... In only 12 days !!!

This is an easy Self Guided - Self Drive Tour, mainly on paved roads, and is suitable for everyone.
You will drive through extremely dry deserts... along deep canyons... visit lively cities and colorful markets... see lots of the animals of the Andes... and the goal of this trip: the best South America has to offer... the lost city of the Inca's: Machu Picchu, deep in the Andean rainforest.

Information about the car insurance:

The rental car is fully insured against:

- Damage to the rental car
- Third party property damage
- Personal injury to third parties

With an excess/deductible of max. US$ 1,000.00. A safety deposit of US$ 1,000.00 is required in cash or with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard). It is not possible to re-insure the excess/deductible. The rental company can not accept any other insurance. If the client has such an insurance, he/she has to pay the excess/deductible and then claim it on their own insurance.

For all damage: Whatever the cause is !

Day 1 --- Arrival in Arequipa

Altitude: 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

The tour starts with your arrival in Arequipa, the sizzlin' "White City" in southern Peru. We pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel. Here you will get the extensive briefing about your upcoming tour from a PeruMotors representative.
The rest of the day is at leisure in Arequipa, a very nice colonial city with a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 --- Arequipa - Puerto Inka

Distance: 410 km (255 mile)

Altitude: from 2.300 meters (7,500 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning the rental car is delivered at the hotel. Finally, the tour starts. The first stage is to the coast, descending about 2,300 meters. From there the route goes northbound along the Pacific coast all the way to Puerto Inka. You will pass small villages and enjoy the spectacular views. The hotel Puerto Inka is one to remember, because of its amazing location, on a natural bay. Once this was the harbor of the Inca's. There are still some interesting Inca-ruins next to the hotel, which are free to visit.

Day 3 --- Puerto Inka - Nasca

Distance: 180 km (112 mile)

Altitude: from sea level to 500 meters (1650 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (15 km of sand if you go to Chauchilla)

A relatively short drive through the desert to Nasca. Here you have the opportunity to fly over the world famous Nasca-lines. Not visible from the ground, these lines and figures are there for more than hundreds of years. And still a mystery!

Day 4 --- Nasca - Chalhuanca

Directly from Nasca the mighty Andes brings you an altitude of more than 4.200 meters, where we will meet the lamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Here starts one of the spectacular driving roads in South America. A 600 km. "Dragon's Tail". Passing tourist less Puquio, a beautiful little village in the high Andes. And then even higher over the Andes to Chalhuanca. Just outside this town you will arrive in the hotel in a beautiful setting.

Day 5 & 6 --- Chalhuanca - Cusco

Distance: 300 km (190 mile)

Altitude: from 2.000 meter (6,560 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

After an early breakfast you are back on the road. More than enough of ascending and descending will be your part. In the end of the afternoon you will arrive in one of the most beautiful cities of South-America: Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca's.

Day 7 --- Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Distance: 80 km (50 mile)

Altitude: from 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 2.800 meter (9,200 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

From Cusco you will drive into the "Sacred Valley of the Inca's". Here you can visit a variety of Inca ruins. Some well-known, some unknown, but all very interesting. The day ends in the authentic Inca-town of Ollantaytambo, where you can visit a very impressive Inca fortress.

Day 8 --- Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2.430 meter (8,000 feet)

The absolute highlight of this tour: Machu Picchu. There is still no road to this magical place. So, early in the morning you go by train to the little town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there it is half an hour by bus to the entrance of the citadel. After your visit to the ruins you go back to Ollantaytambo by train.

Day 9 --- Ollantaytambo - Puno

Distance: 450 km (280 mile)

Altitude: from 2.800 meter (9,200 feet) to 3.800 meter (12,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

Today a long connection day, but that doesn't mean a boring day ! After the highest point of today on 4.300 meter (14,100 feet), the largest high plains (Altiplano) in the world lies ahead. You are on your way to Puno. This is the city on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca.

Day 10 --- Puno - Colca Canyon

In the morning a little boat cruise on lake Titicaca to the "Floating Islands of the Uros". Then you have to conquer the mighty Andes again. Now westbound. After lunch you will reach the highest point of the whole tour on 4.910 meter (16,100 feet). Then the spectacular descend to the little town of Chivay. Here you can enjoy the natural hot springs to relax.

Day 11 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Distance: 260 km (160 mile)

Altitude: from 3.600 meter (11,800 feet) to 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

Road Surface: Pavement and 40 km (25 miles) unpaved

Early in the morning you must be on your way to 'Cruz del Condor'. This is one of the best places to see the Andean Condor in flight. Then back on the road to the place where this tour started: Arequipa.

Day 12 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Today we will bring you to the airport for your flight back home.

Toyota HiLux Toyota LandCruiser

Is Peru safe to travel on your own?

YES !!! The roads are good and the people are very friendly. Of course, you'll have to be cautious, like you would be at home, or in any other part of the world.
South America (Peru) doesn't have a good reputation, but in our 12 years in business, not even one of our guests experienced big problems.
And, by the way, we live ourselves with our families for more than 12 years in this country. So far without any major problems with criminality.

Is the airfare included in the price?

No. Our guests are coming from all over the world and as a tour operator we are not big enough to bargain good prices with the airlines. So, you'll have to arrange your flight to Arequipa (and back). We will provide you the exact dates for arrival at and departure from Arequipa.

To which airport do I have to fly for a tour?

In general, you'll have to fly to Arequipa, Peru (airportcode: AQP). This city is our homebase. Normally you will fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and take a domestic flight from there to Arequipa.
Very often the airlines offer the domestic flight from Lima (Peru) to Arequipa (Peru) for a small addition to your international airfare. Ask for it !

How do I make a booking for your tours?

Search for the <BOOKING> tab on the page of the tour you want to book. Fill out the form click <SEND>. We will contact and inform you about the rest of procedure.

I'm not very tall. Is it possible to lower the motorcycle?

Suzuki DR650: Yes, this motorcycles has the possiblity to lower the rear suspension with 5 cm.

BMW F700GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW F800GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW R1200GS: No, but we can put the seat in the lowest position.

Is there a spare motorcycle available on the tour?

No.

What happens if I wreck my motorcycle?

Well... with our experience, if the motocycle is wrecked beyond repair, most of the time the rider is not in a good shape to ride a motorcycle anymore. If you are still fit enough to ride, we will try to get the motorcycle back on the road. If this is not possible, we will try to replace the motorcycle. For the time being you'll have to join our mechanic in the support vehicle. Sometimes, on certain routes, the motorcycle guide can give you his motorcycle.

Is any food and/or (soft-) drinks included?

- Self guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels is included.

- Guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels and the lunches on riding days are included.

Is it likely to suffer from altitude-sickness?

Most of our tours have differences in altitudes between sea-level and about 5.000 meters (16,400 ft.). On average about 50-60% of our guests will suffer some symptoms, like headache, nauseousness, insomnia, etc. Let's say: "flu-like symptoms". It is impossible to predict who will suffer the symptoms and who won't. Fitness and age of the person doesn't seem to matter.
There is a lot you can do to avoid the symptoms: On altitude drink lot's (at least 3 liters / 0,75 a gallon) of non-alcoholic fluids, like water, coca-tea, coffee and soft drinks. And eat chocolate, candy and other sweets.
In severe cases oxigen is needed, but that is quite rare. All hotels on altitude have it available.
Or you can use medication, like Diamox. Our advise is that you don't take any medication, before you have the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms it is even better is to buy 'local stuff' in the Farmacias in Peru.
Everybody will at least notice that they are on altitude, for example while climbing stairs.
Normally your body will be adjusted to the altitude in about 4-5 days. And the symptoms will disappear by itself.

Are the airpoirt transfers in Arequipa included?

Yes ! We will pick you up from the airport, or we will send a taxi to pick you up. And, of course, after the tour we will take you to the airport for your flight home.

What is the best time of the year to pay Peru a visit?

Weatherwise, roughly between March and December, becasue that is the dry season. In the highlands a rain shower can be expected year round.

Do I need a visa for traveling to Peru?

Citizens from most countries in Europe and North and South America can enter Peru with a "Tarjeta Andina de Migración" (TAM). This is a tourist visa which you can get upon entering Peru. Please, check for yourself if you need a visa, or if you can enter with TAM.

And how about a visa for Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile and Ecuador?

It is your repsonsibility to get the necessary (tourist) visa(s) for the countries you travel. PeruMotors can not help or assist you with that.

Information about the car insurance:

The rental car is fully insured against:

- Damage to the rental car
- Third party property damage
- Personal injury to third parties

With an excess/deductible of max. US$ 1,000.00. A safety deposit of US$ 1,000.00 is required in cash or with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard). It is not possible to re-insure the excess/deductible. The rental company can not accept any other insurance. If the client has such an insurance, he/she has to pay the excess/deductible and then claim it on their own insurance.

Day 1 --- Arrival in Arequipa

Altitude: 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

The tour starts with your arrival in Arequipa, the sizzlin' "White City" in southern Peru. We pick you up from the airport and bring you to the hotel. Here you will get the extensive briefing about your upcoming tour from a PeruMotors representative.
The rest of the day is at leisure in Arequipa, a very nice colonial city with a friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 --- Arequipa - Puerto Inka

Distance: 410 km (255 mile)

Altitude: from 2.300 meters (7,500 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning the rental car is delivered at the hotel. Finally, the tour starts. The first stage is to the coast, descending about 2,300 meters. From there the route goes northbound along the Pacific coast all the way to Puerto Inka. You will pass small villages and enjoy the spectacular views. The hotel Puerto Inka is one to remember, because of its amazing location, on a natural bay. Once this was the harbor of the Inca's. There are still some interesting Inca-ruins next to the hotel, which are free to visit.

Day 3 --- Puerto Inka - Nasca

Distance: 180 km (112 mile)

Altitude: from sea level to 500 meters (1650 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (15 km of sand if you go to Chauchilla)

A relatively short drive through the desert to Nasca. Here you have the opportunity to fly over the world famous Nasca-lines. Not visible from the ground, these lines and figures are there for more than hundreds of years. And still a mystery!

Day 4 --- Nasca - Chalhuanca

Directly from Nasca the mighty Andes brings you an altitude of more than 4.200 meters, where we will meet the lamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Here starts one of the spectacular driving roads in South America. A 600 km. "Dragon's Tail". Passing tourist less Puquio, a beautiful little village in the high Andes. And then even higher over the Andes to Chalhuanca. Just outside this town you will arrive in the hotel in a beautiful setting.

Day 5 & 6 --- Chalhuanca - Cusco

Distance: 300 km (190 mile)

Altitude: from 2.000 meter (6,560 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

After an early breakfast you are back on the road. More than enough of ascending and descending will be your part. In the end of the afternoon you will arrive in one of the most beautiful cities of South-America: Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca's.

Day 7 --- Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Distance: 80 km (50 mile)

Altitude: from 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 2.800 meter (9,200 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

From Cusco you will drive into the "Sacred Valley of the Inca's". Here you can visit a variety of Inca ruins. Some well-known, some unknown, but all very interesting. The day ends in the authentic Inca-town of Ollantaytambo, where you can visit a very impressive Inca fortress.

Day 8 --- Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2.430 meter (8,000 feet)

The absolute highlight of this tour: Machu Picchu. There is still no road to this magical place. So, early in the morning you go by train to the little town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there it is half an hour by bus to the entrance of the citadel. After your visit to the ruins you go back to Ollantaytambo by train.

Day 9 --- Ollantaytambo - Puno

Distance: 450 km (280 mile)

Altitude: from 2.800 meter (9,200 feet) to 3.800 meter (12,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

Today a long connection day, but that doesn't mean a boring day ! After the highest point of today on 4.300 meter (14,100 feet), the largest high plains (Altiplano) in the world lies ahead. You are on your way to Puno. This is the city on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world: Lake Titicaca.

Day 10 --- Puno - Colca Canyon

In the morning a little boat cruise on lake Titicaca to the "Floating Islands of the Uros". Then you have to conquer the mighty Andes again. Now westbound. After lunch you will reach the highest point of the whole tour on 4.910 meter (16,100 feet). Then the spectacular descend to the little town of Chivay. Here you can enjoy the natural hot springs to relax.

Day 11 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Distance: 260 km (160 mile)

Altitude: from 3.600 meter (11,800 feet) to 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

Road Surface: Pavement and 40 km (25 miles) unpaved

Early in the morning you must be on your way to 'Cruz del Condor'. This is one of the best places to see the Andean Condor in flight. Then back on the road to the place where this tour started: Arequipa.

Day 12 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Is Peru safe to travel on your own?

YES !!! The roads are good and the people are very friendly. Of course, you'll have to be cautious, like you would be at home, or in any other part of the world.
South America (Peru) doesn't have a good reputation, but in our 12 years in business, not even one of our guests experienced big problems.
And, by the way, we live ourselves with our families for more than 12 years in this country. So far without any major problems with criminality.

Is the airfare included in the price?

No. Our guests are coming from all over the world and as a tour operator we are not big enough to bargain good prices with the airlines. So, you'll have to arrange your flight to Arequipa (and back). We will provide you the exact dates for arrival at and departure from Arequipa.

To which airport do I have to fly for a tour?

In general, you'll have to fly to Arequipa, Peru (airportcode: AQP). This city is our homebase. Normally you will fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and take a domestic flight from there to Arequipa.
Very often the airlines offer the domestic flight from Lima (Peru) to Arequipa (Peru) for a small addition to your international airfare. Ask for it !

How do I make a booking for your tours?

Search for the <BOOKING> tab on the page of the tour you want to book. Fill out the form click <SEND>. We will contact and inform you about the rest of procedure.

I'm not very tall. Is it possible to lower the motorcycle?

Suzuki DR650: Yes, this motorcycles has the possiblity to lower the rear suspension with 5 cm.

BMW F700GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW F800GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW R1200GS: No, but we can put the seat in the lowest position.

Is there a spare motorcycle available on the tour?

No.

What happens if I wreck my motorcycle?

Well... with our experience, if the motocycle is wrecked beyond repair, most of the time the rider is not in a good shape to ride a motorcycle anymore. If you are still fit enough to ride, we will try to get the motorcycle back on the road. If this is not possible, we will try to replace the motorcycle. For the time being you'll have to join our mechanic in the support vehicle. Sometimes, on certain routes, the motorcycle guide can give you his motorcycle.

Is any food and/or (soft-) drinks included?

- Self guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels is included.

- Guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels and the lunches on riding days are included.

Is it likely to suffer from altitude-sickness?

Most of our tours have differences in altitudes between sea-level and about 5.000 meters (16,400 ft.). On average about 50-60% of our guests will suffer some symptoms, like headache, nauseousness, insomnia, etc. Let's say: "flu-like symptoms". It is impossible to predict who will suffer the symptoms and who won't. Fitness and age of the person doesn't seem to matter.
There is a lot you can do to avoid the symptoms: On altitude drink lot's (at least 3 liters / 0,75 a gallon) of non-alcoholic fluids, like water, coca-tea, coffee and soft drinks. And eat chocolate, candy and other sweets.
In severe cases oxigen is needed, but that is quite rare. All hotels on altitude have it available.
Or you can use medication, like Diamox. Our advise is that you don't take any medication, before you have the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms it is even better is to buy 'local stuff' in the Farmacias in Peru.
Everybody will at least notice that they are on altitude, for example while climbing stairs.
Normally your body will be adjusted to the altitude in about 4-5 days. And the symptoms will disappear by itself.

Are the airpoirt transfers in Arequipa included?

Yes ! We will pick you up from the airport, or we will send a taxi to pick you up. And, of course, after the tour we will take you to the airport for your flight home.

What is the best time of the year to pay Peru a visit?

Weatherwise, roughly between March and December, becasue that is the dry season. In the highlands a rain shower can be expected year round.

Do I need a visa for traveling to Peru?

Citizens from most countries in Europe and North and South America can enter Peru with a "Tarjeta Andina de Migración" (TAM). This is a tourist visa which you can get upon entering Peru. Please, check for yourself if you need a visa, or if you can enter with TAM.

And how about a visa for Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile and Ecuador?

It is your repsonsibility to get the necessary (tourist) visa(s) for the countries you travel. PeruMotors can not help or assist you with that.